Hi,
Yesterday both inside trunk release button and key FOB won't open the trunk. Valet switch in the glove box was not engaged.
The latch mechanism move by itself automatically for about one minute making the click sounds....I can press the trunk and close it, but in about 2 seconds it opens(trunk pops up) by itself!
After the clicking stops, finally I was able to press the trunk and it closes and locks. I hear the click sound of closing, and I can pull the key from the FOB to unlock it.
I can live with it without repair when I can open and close the trunk manually.

Today I have it inspected at a local Lexus dealership and it says the part needs to be replaced and it costs $1300. I did not repair it.

When I came home, open the trunk, same thing happened again, the latch moves automatically with clicking sounds. When the clicking stops, however this time I won't be able to close it manually no matter how hard I press.

Question:
As I said I can live with it when I can open and close manually. But why I can't close it manually anymore? I check for a while to understand how it works. Basically when the trunk comes down, hit the U shape metal bar at the bottom, it triggers the silver metal hook to catch the bottom bar to lock it.
I wonder if it has something to do with the dealership's inspection. The service agent told me they connected the car to the scanning computer and open and close the trunk.

 

An indy shop that works on Japanese cars would be my next stop. Dealers sometimes go for the big dollars.

 

You can find an used part on Ebay for a fraction of the price.

 

If you are not a DIYer, a Toyota Dealer should be able to help you.

 

Thanks all the prompt replies!
Still hope to find a way to reverse the situation so it can close manually, especially I can't drive the car now since it's not safe to drive with the trunk not closed. I don't see a way to tie the trunk door safely...

 

There's a post with someone fixing the gears on the release by adding some kind of clip or pin as well. Might help you out as well.

 

Try to reset the setting by removing the battery cable it will work for a month or two thats how i am working up with it lol

 

Thanks. I did disconnect the battery cable, but still same problem. Do you mean all buttons go back to normal and work for you each time you disconnect the battery cable? Please let me know if any special steps you do after you reconnect the batter cable.

 

That is an old wives tale. Surprised it is still circulating. You need to get the car scanned and see what that says first. Most likely the trunk actuator, but either you or a shop needs to do some diagnostics before just replacing parts

 

It sounds like you want it to work half-broken after it's fully broken.....If money is tight, as mentioned, EBay has used and refurbished latch assemblies. If you're certain the dealership diagnosed the issue.

 

the dealership did tell me the code, which is b2250, which means to replace the "back door latch", that is the term they used.
I don't know if my thinking is logical. Shouldn't there be a manual mode to open and close(situation before going to dealership) the trunk when the electronic mode fails? I mean a step to bypass the electronic mode, it's a logical way of design....

 

The car is designed such that the trunk can be opened and closed with a purely mechanical operation. Your owner’s manual explains this. From what you have told us, it sounds like the latch mechanism has suffered a mechanical failure.

 

Finally fixed it with a local auto shop for $100 labor, bought Lexus OEM part from Bell Lexus in Arizona at wholesale price!